Stationary exercise bikes are a good choice for a piece of fitness equipment because they provide an impact-free cardio workout, plus they are more affordable and take up less space than treadmills or ellipticals.

They can be broken up into two main categories – upright and recumbent. Upright exercise bikes are designed more like traditional bicycles with the rider positioned above the frame and the seat above the pedals. In a recumbent exercise bike the rider is positioned into the frame with the seat in line with the pedals horizontally. Uprights take up less space and are cheaper, but recumbents are much more ergonomically comfortable and are great for people with back or neck problems.

Some of the features to look for include the construction quality and noise level, adjustable seat positions, varying resistance levels, displays with easy to use controls, built-in workout programs, heart-rate monitors, and users also might want a water bottle holder and book rest.

Recumbent Exercise Bike Reviews

9.3

We chose the $1899 True PS50 as the best recumbent exercise bike because of its construction from commercial quality materials all while being ergonomically designed for users of all fitness levels. Thanks to this outstanding quality this bike provides a very quiet and smooth ride for users up to 350 pounds. Other features include 16 resistance levels, heart rate cruise control, reading rack, bottle holder, and dual LED display.

The most common complaint on the True PS50 is that there is no on/off switch so you have to unplug it to turn off the console.

Overall the True PS50 recumbent bike is a gym-quality machine that we recommend for all users to buy and use in your own home, however with a price of near $2000 there are cheaper options available.

9.2

The $999 Diamondback Fitness 910SR is our pick for the best recumbent under $1000. The 910SR combines solid construction with lots of adjustability and versatility. The seat, seat back, console, and handle bars all can be adjusted to the user’s preference. With 32 levels of resistance and 35 workout programs including target heart rate you can tailor your workout to your specific needs. The included 40 pound flywheel means this machine provides a smooth, quiet ride for users up to 325 pounds.

The Diamondback Fitness 910SR is not quite as well built as the True PS50 – which is why it is ranked as number two on our list – and a handful of users have complained of part failures or quality issues. However, don’t let that scare you off from wanting to buying this recumbent exercise bike, since it is still a really good value for home users.

9.1

Another quality recumbent is the LifeSpan R3i Recumbent Bike which sells for $1199. With commercial quality construction and weight capacity of up to 400 pounds you know the R3i is built well. The 17 preset workouts are divided into 5 weight loss, 5 healthy living, and 7 sports training. There is also 2 heart rate programs (although no chest strap is included) and 2 customizable programs.

One other nice feature is that a USB port is included to help track your session data and upload it to the free online LifeSpan club to track your fitness history. The seatback can be tilted for proper lumbar support, while the seat can slide forward and back 14 inches to accommodate your length.

There are a few slight negatives. This machine takes up a bit more space than some other models with a footprint of 70″ x 27.5″. Some users have also complained about the pedals, calling them cheap and basic. An 18 pound flywheel is lighter than most models in this price range.

Overall the LifeSpan R3i Recumbent Bike is a solid fitness machine that doesn’t have any major faults, therefore we would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

9

The NordicTrack Elite 7.4 Recumbent Cycle normally sells for $999, but we have seen it on sale as low as $599.99. Features include 26 resistance levels and 32 preset programs, tablet holder with iFit compatibility, cooling fan, and heart rate monitor. The 21 pound flywheel with magnetic resistance provide a smooth operation and decent feel for the user.

At a price of $599 this machine is an extremely good value, however the build quality might not match up to the models that cost over $1000.

8.7

The $475 Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike is the best recumbent exercise bike under $500. Users have a lot of choices with 25 levels of resistance and 29 programs to pick from. It has hand grip heart monitor, data export capabilities, large speakers, and a 3-speed fan.

With a max weight capacity of 300 pounds and 17 pound flywheel, it is not quite up to par with the higher priced models, however those figures are about as good as you can find under $500.

We highly recommend the versatile Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike for buyers who want a cheap recumbent. The build quality is really suspect on any other model below this price point and may not withstand constant use.

Best Recumbent Exercise Bike Comparison Chart

Model

Rating

Price

Resistance
Type

Resistance
Levels

Workout
Programs

Heart Rate
Monitor

Weight
Capacity (lbs)

Fly Wheel
Weight (lbs)

True PS50

9.3

$1,899

Eddy Current Brake

16

7

Yes

350

NA

Diamondback Fitness 910SR

9.2

$999

Eddy Current Brake

32

35

Yes (No strap included)

325

40

LifeSpan R3i

9.1

$1,199

Eddy Current Brake

16

17

Yes (No strap included)

400

18

NordicTrack Elite 7.4

9

$599.99

Eddy Current Brake

26

32

Yes

350

21

Schwinn 270

8.7

$474.99

Eddy Current Brake

25

29

Yes

300

17

Upright Exercise Bike Reviews

9.3

The $999 Lifecore Fitness Assault Air Bike Trainer is the best upright exercise bike. Simply put this thing is amazing. Built to withstand all abuse, this airbike is durable, maintenance-free, and an ideal choice for all users up to 400 lbs. Get a complete body workout thanks to movable handlebars with unlimited intensity levels due to air resistance – the faster you go the more resistance you face.

Many programs are included like Tabata, intervals, watts, and heart rate. It also has a six-way adjustable seat – front/back, up/down, and tilt. This model is perfect for rehab, cardio training, and muscle building.

Without a doubt this is the best upright you can get – the Lifecore Fitness Assault Air Bike Trainer is used in commercial gyms including many Cross-Fit gyms, physical therapy clinics and recommended by many personal trainers.

9

The $799 Diamondback Fitness 910UB Upright Bike is a sturdy and versatile stationary exercise bike. Featuring a suite of 35 workout programs including heart rate, fat burn, endurance, and more in addition to 32 resistance levels provides the user with a huge variety of exercise options. The steel frame can support up to 300 pounds and the magnetic braking provide quiet operation.

Adjustability is a plus since the console, seat height, fore/aft saddle positioning, and handle bar angle are all adjustable.

On the downside the cooling fan is not positioned very well for you to actually feel a breeze unless you place your face right in front of it. Some users have also complained about the seat – saying it is not too comfortable and it only adjusts in 1″ increments so they can’t quite get the perfect height.

Overall for the price we feel that the Diamondback Fitness 910UB is a solid value and would make a good buy for any user.

9

We chose the $415 ProForm 515 CSX Upright Bike as the best upright exercise bike under $500. Designed with the home user in mind, this ProForm model scores high marks from almost all users and the 15 pound flywheel is more than on some much more expensive uprights. Features include 20 resistance levels, 28 workout programs, oversized cushioned seat, CoolAire fan, and EKG pulse grips.

Overall the ProForm 515 CSX is a great value for the price and a good choice for budget conscience people who want a quality exercise bike. However, there is not quite as much adjustability or superior build quality as in some more expensive bikes.

8.7

The best cheap upright exercise bike is the Schwinn 170 Upright Bike which sells for $399. Does the construction quality compare to $1000 units? No probably not, but it is still a sturdy frame for users up to 300 pounds with a smooth ride provided by a 13 pound flywheel.

With 25 resistance levels and 29 programs it provides users with more than enough workout options. Plus it is capable of exporting data so you can track your fitness goals.

Some users have complained that the Schwinn 170 is cheaply made and did not work correctly once assembled. While there does appear to be some premature part failures, overall most users have been happy with their Schwinn exercise bikes. So if you are looking for a cheap upright exercise bike this one is a good choice, but be aware you get what you pay for.